| Description |
The cells are similar to normal germinal center B cells, both centrocytes
and centroblasts. In about 85% of cases, there is bone marrow involvement
at the time of diagnosis. Follicular lymphoma may transform to diffuse
large B-cell lymphoma. Unlike a normal follicle, the cells are rarely
polarized. |
| Frequency |
This is the most common NHL in the US, and makes up about 45% of adult
lymphomas there. |
| Cytogenetics |
| Locus |
Product |
Description |
| t(14;18) |
IgH-bcl-2 fusion |
These cells express bcl-2 protein, an antiapototic protein which is
not present in their normal counterpart follicular cells. This protein
is also seen in about 30% of diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. |
|
| Markers |
| Positive |
bcl-2 protein, sIg, B cell antigens (CD19, CD20, CD22, CD79a) |
| +/- |
CD10 |
| Negative |
CD5 (helps distinguish from mantle cell lymphoma) |
|
